As the jumps racing season gains momentum, the spotlight turns not only to the horses but also to the talented jockeys who guide them to victory. Irish riders have long been a dominant force in National Hunt racing, with a blend of skill, grit, and experience that makes them a popular choice for punters. Whether you’re placing a horse racing bet or simply following the season’s biggest events, knowing which jockeys are in top form can provide a valuable edge.
In this article, we highlight four Irish jockeys to watch closely this season – riders whose determination and talent could shape the outcomes of key races and influence the betting markets.
Paul Townend
As the stable jockey for Willie Mullins, Paul Townend has the best job in the entirety of National Hunt racing—and he’s building a CV that proves that he’s the perfect man for the position too.
Townend has won four Cheltenham Gold Cups in the last six years and is gunning for a historic hat-trick aboard GalopinDes Champs this year.
The 34-year-old has also been crowned the Leading Jockey at the Cheltenham Festival in three of the last four years, and he will certainly be in contention again this year, given Mullins’ impressive string.
After being pipped to the Irish jump racing Champion Jockey title last season, ending a five-year streak of successive victories, Townend will be keen to regain his crown as the nation’s premier rider.
Jack Kennedy
Jack Kennedy made it very clear from an early age that he was destined for superstardom, winning his Grade 1 at 16 and riding his first Cheltenham Festival winner when guiding Labaik home in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at just 17 in 2017.
Fast forward to today, and Kennedy has mounted an ever-growing list of 12 Cheltenham Festival winners—including steering Minella Indo home for Henry de Bromhead in the 2021 renewal of the Gold Cup.
Another crowning moment for the young rider in these early stages of his career was at the end of last season when he dethroned Townend as the Irish Champion Jockey—riding 123 winners to edge out his rival on the final day of the season.
Rachael Blackmore
Rachael Blackmore has firmly established herself as a fan favourite in the National Hunt racing sphere. Her high-profile victories and likeable personality have won the hearts of jumps enthusiasts in recent years.
The 35-year-old rose up the ranks at the beginning of the 2020s, with two victories in the Champion Hurdle with Honeysuckle putting her on the map before becoming the first female jockey to win both the Gold Cup and Grand National.
Blackmore is currently sidelined with a neck injury, resulting in her missing key rides for De Bromhead—including several mounts at the Cheltenham Showcase Meeting last month. But we’re sure she will be back in the winner’s enclosure sooner rather than later.
Sam Ewing
Elliott has an exciting string of jockeys riding out of his Cullentra yard in Co. Meath, and Sam Ewing is another young rider making waves in the world of jumps racing.
From Ballyclare in Northern Ireland, Ewing initially started out on the flat—finishing fourth in the apprentice championship in 2021—before switching spheres.
He hasn’t looked back since, winning his first graded contest in a Grade 3 Novice Hurdle at Navan before winning his first top-level race in the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham—which also marked his first Festival victory.
